Lions re-sign cornerback DeShawn Shead

Matt Patricia says the biggest challenge is making sure he doesn't overload his players with information.
Justin Rogers, The Detroit News

Cornerback DeShawn Shead, a free-agent addition this offseason, rejoins the Lions after he was one of the team's more surprising cuts at the end of the preseason.(Photo: Carlos Osorio, Associated Press)

Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Portland State in 2012, Shead had spent his entire career with the Seattle Seahawks before coming to Detroit. He started 15 games in 2016, recording 81 tackles and 14 pass breakups, but suffered a torn ACL in the playoffs.

His rehab from that knee injury limited the 6-foot-2, 212-pounder to two games last season. His 2017 contract was set to carry over to the 2018 season, but in a goodwill gesture, the Seahawks released Shead, allowing him to explore the market as an unrestricted free agent.

He battled an injury this preseason, missing two preseason games. He returned for the finale, recording four tackles and a pass breakup.

The roster spot for Shead was created when the Lions waived offensive lineman Jamil Demby on Tuesday.

In addition to the Shead signing, the Lions also announced a practice squad swap. The team signed former Raiders receiver Keon Hatcher and released linebacker Alex Barrett.

Undrafted out of Arkansas in 2017, the 6-foot-1, 212-pound Hatcher spent his rookie year on the Raiders' practice squad. He earned a roster spot this year after recording 10 catches, including three touchdowns, in the preseason.